IPL 2026: The Indian Premier League is getting more intense and exciting every day. Former England player Kevin Pieterson slams his fellow cricketer Alastair Cock for asking Young Jacob Bethell to leave the IPL from mid-season. Destructive -player Jacob Bethell has not had the chance to play even a single match for the franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore in this season yet. He is still waiting to play the first match in IPL 2026.
Cook is not Happy with Bethell
Former opening batsman of England, Alastair Cook, is not happy with Jacob Bethell, as he is doing nothing for RCB. He feels Bethell could have opened for the England against New Zealand match. Cook further said, “Watching him handle that top-order role in Sydney, against a quality attack in challenging conditions, it’s clear to me he has what it takes to open. If he’s comfortable at No. 3, moving up shouldn’t be an issue.”
Kevin Pieterson slams badly Alistair Cook over Bethell
Meanwhile, Kevin Pietersen pushed back strongly on Alastair Cook’s view, saying he doesn’t know what IPL is and that his opinion on Jacob Bethell isn’t significant. Pietersen encouraged Bethell to stay in India and make the most of the exposure. Peterson said, “Cook has no real idea what it’s like in the IPL, constantly being around top players. So what he says about Bethell doesn’t carry much weight. Stay in India, Jacob, even if you’re not playing, you’re learning, and it’ll help you grow as a player.”
Why has he not played a Single Match yet?
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s opening duo is Virat Kohli and Phil Shalt. The management has priorities Shalt over Bethell. The intent is clear. Shalt has given his best for the franchise, and there are already 4 overseas players in the team. Like- Phil Shalt, Josh Hazlewood, Romario Shephered, Tim David. So it’s quite a tough task for RCB management as well whether whom they can drop and pick. Hopefully, soon, Bethell will get a chance to play for his franchise.
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